Cartier readies for 2018 with new additions to the Libre collection

Cartier readies for 2018 with new additions to the Libre collection

It’s all about freedom for the Parisian brand, which has introduced a series of spectacular jewellery watches that reimagine some of their signature watch shapes.

If I didn’t own a calendar, I would still know that 2018 was fast approaching. This is the time of year that brands are getting ready for the Geneva-based SIHH, the first major trade show of the watch industry’s annual calendar.

Among the brands actively promoting their novelties for 2018 is Cartier. Of note here are the latest additions to the brand’s Libre collection, which as the name suggests takes a freestyle approach to the Maison’s signature watch shapes.

What does that mean in practice? Well, the original designs have been stretched, shrunk or transformed into something a bit more creative than the norm.

This time around, we have five limited edition novelties in the collection, four found within the Baignoire line, and one new timepiece representing the Crash line.

Each model offers something very unique and even extravagant, but the two standout pieces among them, as far as I’m concerned, are the Crash Radieuse and the Baignoire Interdite.

One of those new jewellery watches is the Baignoire Interdite. What makes it unique is that the designers have turned the oval dial of the standard Baignoire watch 90 degrees on its side, which might disorient those who are already familiar with the model.

Additionally, we see the case wrapped with glossy black ADLC, making it look like the watch has been dripped in dark chocolate. At the bottom, the diamond-ringed dial alternately emerges and hides, providing contrast with its white gold.

The second that caught my eye was the Crash Radieuse. And it really does look like the yellow gold watch has been in a crash – or warped in some way – but in this case that’s a good thing.

The dial and its Roman numerals have been stretched to the point where you might think you are hallucinating, and a shockwave seems to be carved right in the centre of the dial.

Whereas the previous model was powered by a quartz movement, this watch sports the manual winding 8970 MC movement.

The two watches are unique to be sure, and not just because they are limited only to 50 numbered pieces. Despite their extravagant appearance, both the Crash Radieuse and the Baignoire Interdite remain quite feminine and elegant.